My definition of prayer? A conversation with God.
My definition of conversation? An informal interchange of thoughts and words between persons.
Now that these definitions are clear may I ask you a question?
Do you ever get distracted and wander when you pray?
Oh boy, I do. Especially if I’m trying to pray at bedtime. Best cure for insomnia ever!
I might be saying a “thank you” for the day and my words will start mingling with my dream state and I suddenly wake up thinking, Oh dear God, what did I just say to You? Can I take all that back please? You know I was in the middle of falling asleep.
And of course He knows. God knows everything.
However, my mind has been known to amble fairly easily even when I’m praying first thing in the morning … wide awake! In a litany of requests and petitions, my conscientiousness goes to lunch.
Seriously, I start planning my next meal.
But I’ve noticed, there are times when God is actually doing the distracting. Where He is interrupting my prayers. I’ll be on a roll talking with God when out of the blue, a crazy-good analogy, sticky statement or blog idea pops into my head and my mind chases it down a trail.
Once, becoming completely exasperated with myself for what I thought was my bobble-headed wandering, I took this problem to God.
When I actually listened for an answer, my heart heard this response.
It’s okay, I’m entering this conversation by interjecting My thoughts. These ideas are from Me. You’re not wandering as much as you’re just not listening.
By my own definition, when I pray I’m having a conversation with God. Only I never give Him opportunity to respond. I guess you could say, He has to interrupt me to get a word in edgewise.
[bctt tweet=”Prayer can be, should be, a two-way conversation. A chat between friends. A communion between Father and daughter. A dialogue between Savior and redeemed.” username=”PatHolbrook”]
A one-way delivery is not a conversation, or even a prayer. It’s more like a speech.
When I put more pausing into my praying, I do less wondering about my wandering.
I get more out of this time with God when I shush-up and listen up.
Because when I’m not listening, I’m most likely missing out.
Perhaps you’re missing out too?
God wants to converse with us, give us His thoughts, ideas, our purpose.
[bctt tweet=”To help me with a real conversation I sit with a journal and pen when I pray, ready to write down what I hear God saying. It’s hard to meander away when you’re listening intently, expectantly” username=”PatHolbrook”]
“Make me to know you ways O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you ai will with all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).
With all that being said, I think I’ll still stick to the one-sided prayers at bedtime. Saying a few thank you Lord’s before I close my eyes is still the best way to turn off this busy brain. And I know if God wants to enter into the conversation, He will. He knows the address to my dreams.
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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP is open! @christy_mobley brings a great perspective on those prayers that get interrupted by ‘random’ thoughts. Could it be that they are not so random? JOIN US and share your blog with our audience!” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Christy, prayer is the nemesis of most believers’ lives. It’s easy to read but to purposely sit and be still…that is another story altogether. Good post and encouraging tips.
Susan, you are so right. I hear so many people say they have a hard time with prayer. When God’s Word says we should be joyful in trials, I get it because for me it means diving deeper into prayer and to the heart of Jesus.
Argh!
I’m also one of those women who forgets she is in the presence of the God of the universe and starts meal planning.
One thing that has helped me is to keep paper handy so I can write down the thought and then leave it on the paper. I won’t forget it, but it’s not nearly as important as talking to God.
Thank you for addressing this. I’m with wise-Susan above–prayer is definitely the sifting place for believers.
Yes, Michele, I journal now to document the wisdom the Spirit gives. Thanks for your insight.
Bless~
Christy I had never thought of interupptions in this light! Thank you! I’ll be remembering this point!!
Bethany, with prayer it’s like peeling the layers off an onion learning something different as you go. Prayer is mysterious, miraculous and powerful. I love learning about the what next with it.
xoxo
Love it, Christy! I certainly relate to wandering during prayer. That’s so neat how the Lord said He interjects ideas into the conversation. I so love that thought. Thanks!
Well it sure made me feel better to realize that I wasn’t just scatterbrained.
Loved this Christy! Great post
Thanks Gretchen!
Patricia, I just found your beautiful linkup! What a great topic…journaling is such a perfect way to hear from God, and be surprised by Him. Thanks for hosting:)
Christy, I appreciate your thoughts on prayer. I think too often prayer becomes something like a good luck charm. If I download my requests life will run smoothly. And it often does. But I think God enjoys the listening and relationship bit. He already knows our needs so having us bring them to Him is an invitation to spend time together and hear His thoughts.
Amen Debbie!
God works in mysterious ways. Yesterday during my quiet time I thought of interruptions in conversation, how I interrupt because I’m anxious and I began to wonder if I do the same thing with God. Instead of being still I keep talking. It’s considered rude when I do it with others especially if they have to point it out, but God….He just waits for me to be silent. To stop. To get what He’s trying to tell me.
God is always refining and I’m grateful.
Me too Nylse. He’s so gracious.
Chasing rabbits in prayer is what our minds can do, so I talk to the Lord about the rabbits as I see them & we both have a good laugh!
Plan your meals with God as the thought in prayer comes in! He loves it that you are there with Him…He loves spending time in walking in the garden of our minds in prayer, reflections & yes He does interrupt us as is not a one sided conversation :D….If we listen He is communicating with us…How awesome is our Good!
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration anytime!
Jennifer
Oops spell check!
*Good was meant to be GOD
Love these thoughts on prayer. Thank you for sharing. laurensparks.net